In 2016 Tillie was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease, which is an aggressive Pulmonary Disease. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions involving scarring of the tissue around the air sacs in the lungs. ILD can be associated with many other diseases or like in Tillie’s case, over exposure to environmental contaminants. Only a lung transplant can restore function, but unfortunately Tillie is not a candidate. All

of her treatments have focused on slowing the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms.

The last 6 years have taken a toll on Tillie’s overall health and treatment has been expensive. She went from being able to cook, clean and care for herself, to being placed on oxygen 24/7 and struggling to get around on her own. This is all due to her lungs not being able to expand and contract as they should, because of a severe infection that has left permanent scaring on her lungs. She has been on a high volume of oxygen for quite some time now.

In addition to her ongoing visits to a pulmonologist, Tillie and her husband, Phil have made 2 out of state trips to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The Mayo Clinic has been able to better understand her condition while communicating their findings back to Tillie’s Doctor’s here in Illinois so the best possible care can be put in place.

Recently, Tillie was hospitalized again but this time for 3 weeks. She was taken to the ER on 11/3 and eventually transferred to the Critical Care Unit at Saint Anthony’s where she underwent various testing and treatment for the lung disease. It was confirmed that she not only had pneumonia but her condition has also worsened. Tillie was released from the hospital on 11/23 and is now home with her husband, Phil.

At this point there is medical equipment, supplies, as well as various medical bills that insurance will not cover 100%. There are various out of pocket expenses that we would like to help Phil and Tillie with. It made sense to create a fundraiser for them because if you know Tillie and Phil, then you know they are two very genuine people that have always helped others in need. It would mean the world to the both of them if we all can help. Please help if you can and keep Tillie and Phil in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!